How to Make a Gallery Wall

Start by pulling together more pieces than you think you'll need. A good gallery wall has variety—different sizes, orientations, and media—but it also needs a cohesive element that pulls the collection together. That might be a shared color palette, subject matter, a coordinated frame finish, or even just a consistent mat color running through otherwise unrelated pieces. One unifying thread is usually all it takes.

A strong mix might include original artwork or prints in different sizes, photographs in color and black-and-white, typographic or illustrated prints, and a few dimensional elements like a small mirror, a textile in a floating frame, or a decorative object on a mounted shelf ledge.

Don't overlook ready-made options for filling gaps. Blick gallery frames come in coordinated finishes and standard sizes, making it easy to frame your own prints, photos, or decorative papers to round out a wall. For pieces that need a more tailored fit, Blick's Online Custom Framing service offer made-to-order options with conservation-grade materials.

What you'll need:

Artwork and frames, pencil, kraft or butcher paper, scissors or craft knife, painter's tape, hammer, nails or picture hangers (or removable strips for rentals), measuring tape, and a level.

This is the step most people rush—and the one that matters most. Before anything goes on the wall, choose an arrangement style. Your layout determines how the wall reads from across the room, and changing direction mid-hang is frustrating.

Below are three common gallery wall layouts:

Grid: Frames align in uniform rows and columns. Best for same-size pieces and matching frames. Clean, modern, and beginner-friendly.

Symmetrical: Frames vary in size but balance around a central axis, often anchored by a larger piece. Works well above furniture like a sofa or mantel.

Salon Style: An eclectic arrangement with varied sizes and frames, loosely spaced without a strict grid. Expressive, but requires more planning to feel cohesive.

Spacing is what makes a gallery wall feel intentional rather than accidental.

Keep gaps consistent: For most walls, 2" to 3" between frames works well. Go tighter (1½"–2") for a dense look, or wider (3"–4") for a more open feel. Consistency matters more than the exact measurement.

Define the outer edges: Even a loose layout should feel contained. Keeping the overall arrangement within a soft rectangular boundary helps prevent a scattered look.

Balance visual weight: It’s not just about size. A small, dark piece can feel as heavy as a larger, lighter one. Step back and squint—look for even distribution across the wall. Spread out similar frame finishes rather than clustering them.

Once your templates are in place, the process becomes straightforward.

Start at the center with your anchor piece and work outward. Drive nails or hangers directly through the marked points on your paper templates to eliminate guesswork.

Use hardware rated for the weight of each piece. For rentals or delicate walls, removable hanging strips can be a good alternative—just follow weight limits closely.

Remove each template as you hang and use a level to keep frames straight. Check spacing as you go—small inconsistencies add up quickly.

When everything is up, step back and view the wall from different angles. A few small adjustments can make a big difference.